Gillon McLachlan has been appointed the new boss of Australia’s biggest wagering company Tabcorp.

The wagering giant on Monday morning announced that the former AFL supremo had been appointed to the role of managing director and chief executive and would start on August 5.

Tabcorp was in need of a new leader after Adam Rytenskild was forced to resign due to inappropriate and offensive language in March and Tabcorp chairman Bruce Ackhurst, who is acting as executive chairman, said he would be an asset to the company.

“Gill needs no introduction – he is recognised as one of Australia’s leading CEOs and securing Gill is a great vote of confidence for Tabcorp’s future,” Ackhurst said.

“We’ve laid strong foundations and Gill brings a growth mindset and the capability to capitalise on the opportunities ahead of us.

“Gill has a deep understanding of sport, racing and wagering, combined with significant commercial acumen, whƒtabich was highlighted in the substantial growth of AFL revenues under his leadership.

“Importantly for us, Gill brings an added dimension of having been responsible for some of the most significant media rights deals in Australian sports history and we’re excited about the potential growth opportunities for our wagering and media business under his leadership.”

While McLachlan does not officially start until early August, he will serve in an observer to Ackhurst in the interim.